Carolyn Neitzke named the 2013 UIS Employee of the Year

Director of Conference Services Carolyn Neitzke was named the 2013 University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Year during a celebration in the Sangamon Auditorium Lobby on January 29, 2014.

“Carolyn goes way above and beyond when it comes to her commitment to her job and UIS,” said one of her nominators. “She is here at all hours of the day and night, following up to see that an event will go off without a hitch.”

Neitzke started working at UIS in September of 1990 and is known for her friendliness and sense of humor even when dealing with last minute changes and difficult situations.

“It cannot be easy to maintain her welcoming nature and good sense of humor in the midst of the chaos in which she often finds herself and yet Carolyn somehow finds a way to do so,” writes another nominator.

In presenting the award, UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch thanked Neitzke and other UIS employees for their dedication and strong work ethics.

“By my count, I’ve witnessed over 30 people, since I’ve arrived, become employees of the month and everyone one of those people represents a great story, a great member of the team,” said Koch.

Neitzke accepted the award by thanking her colleagues and speaking about her time at UIS.

“Every day I learn something new about what it takes to make a university function,” said Neitzke. “I appreciate this so much and I appreciate the opportunity to call so many of these colleagues my friends.”

The Employee of the Year gets a check for $500, plus a special parking spot for the entire year.

Shawn Craig Shures named Employee of the Year for 2011

Shawn Craig Shures, the assistant director of graduate recruitment for the Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) program was named UIS Employee of the Year for 2011 during the twenty-ninth annual celebration in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby on January 25, 2012.

Shures consistently exceeds expectations and comes up with new ideas to improve the GPSI program. She has taken on a leadership role in terms of meeting with potential applications and handling all program inquires. She is known for her willingness to tackle and brainstorm problems.

“I love working at U of I Springfield. I couldn’t work in a better office,” said Shures. “I’ve been recruiting here off and on for about 15 years. It’s what I do."

Shures was among 11 other individual Employees of the Month nominated for the award. Other candidates included Andrew Fitzpatrick, Tyler Tanaka, Raymond Barnett, James Burgdorf, Brian Truter, Lindsey Feger, Marsha Neposchlan, Wendy Johnson, Teresa Seacrist, and Kevin Zepp.

“I congratulate all the fellow employees of the month that are out here today. I know we all work really hard and work well beyond our job descriptions,” she said.

Shures’ nominator praised her for leading by example and always putting customer service first.

“She truly is an ambassador for this campus; her work is impeccable. She prides herself on her commitment to UIS and leaves a positive image with everyone she encounters,” said her nominator.

The Employee of the Year gets a check for $500, plus a special parking spot for the entire year.

Kevin Zepp is the December EOM

Kevin Zepp thought he was on his way to drop off cookies for an afternoon holiday party in the PAC Restaurant, but soon realized the party was for him! Zepp was named Employee of the Month for December 2011 during the celebration.

Since 2008, Zepp has worked as a Network Engineer in the Information Technology Services (ITS) Department at UIS. He’s responsible for networking, server support, IP phones, cable TV and many of the other IT services used on campus.

“He’s an incredible asset to the IT department, just invaluable. The wireless we all enjoy throughout campus, turn to Kevin, the Lync Server that’s up and running and testing right now, Kevin has taken the time and energy to make it work,” said Jamie Voyles, ITS Network Specialist II.

Zepp accepted the award in a room filled with friends and family. Many were wearing Star Trek masks featuring Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. Guests also enjoyed a cake, which also featured his favorite television show.

“I’m totally surprised. I didn’t expect this at all, so thanks,” said Zepp.

He holds his bachelors degree from Bradley University and a masters in Computer Science from UIS.

As Employee of the Month, Zepp will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on his i-card.

Teresa Seacrist is the November EOM

Parking Operations Chief Clerk Teresa Seacrist thought she was on her way to help plan the Administrative Affairs holiday party, but instead found another party waiting for her in the PAC Restaurant.

Seacrist was named Employee of the Month for November 2011 during a special ceremony. She started working at UIS in October 2008 and helped start the Parking Operations Department on campus.

“She’s wonderfully pleasant to work with, she’s kind, she’s got a big heart, she almost makes getting a ticket worthwhile and fun,” said Dave Barrows, UIS associate chancellor for Administrative Affairs.

Co-workers praised Seacrist calling her a “joy to work with” and talked about her passion for her job and attention to detail.

“She’s a one woman shop, she’s very conscientious reconciling her accounts, learning that process, understanding, trying to do her very best and she’s made that process effortless,” said Julie Close, Administrative Affairs business manager.

Seacrist came to UIS after a career in real estate and knows she made the right choice to join the team.

“I feel like this is a wonderful family. I love being here. I’ve always said when I came here I felt like I won the lotto,” said Seacrist.

As Employee of the Month, Seacrist will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on her i-card.

Shawn Craig Shures is the October EOM

Not many people help plan their own Employee of the Month party, but that was the case for Shawn Craig Shures, who thought her co-worker was receiving the award.

Shures walked into Mary Jane’s Café in Brookens Library cheering for her co-worker, Angie Harbison, but she soon figured out the surprise. Shures was named Employee of the Month for October 2011 in a room full of co-workers, friends, and family.

“I’m speechless and I talk for a living, so this is pretty good,” said Shures. “I love UIS, I love the Office of Graduate Intern Programs, I love working for the Center for State Policy and Leadership, I love everybody at UIS.”

Shures has worked as the Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment for the Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) program since 2004. She also worked for the office during the 1990s.

“In my opinion, Shawn is a champion for this campus. She is one of our unsung heroes, who works tirelessly for the benefit of the Office of Graduate Intern Programs, UIS, and the students and agencies we serve,” said Kim Hayden, former director of the GPSI program.

Hayden added, “Shures consistently exceeds expectations, in terms of her job knowledge and skills necessary to perform her job. She consistently demonstrates creativity and new ideas to improve the workflow for the program.”

As Employee of the Month, Shures will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on her i-card.

Wendy Johnson is the September EOM

Wendy Johnson may be the only UIS Employee of the Month to successfully surprise a room full of people (it’s usually the other way around) with her side door entrance. However, it’s her kindness and ability to work with others she’s known for the most.

Johnson was honored as Sept. 2011 Employee of the Month during a ceremony in the Public Affairs Center on Sept. 21, 2011. She has worked at UIS since 2002 and currently serves as assistant to the dean of the College of Public Affairs & Administration.

“All the department staff members she has supervised have thrived under her care,” said Pinky Wassenberg, dean of the college. “Even the faculty she has to harass to get their paperwork turned in on time still love her.”

Wassenberg read a Top 10 List of the reasons why Johnson deserved the award, ending with “she deserves it.” She also mentioned Johnson’s involvement in the UIS community and how she’s expertly handled extra responsibilities in the office.

“It’s a wonderful place and you guys are great to work with,” said Johnson. “I try to be kind and everyone else is kind in return.”

As Employee of the Month, Johnson will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on her i-card.

Marsha Neposchlan is the August EOM

Food Service Office Administrator Marsha Neposchlan entered the PAC Restaurant for her Employee of the Month party through the kitchen door. While it might have been an unusual entrance for most, it was all about fooling Marsha.

“You guys really did surprise me, my heavens. I didn’t know anything was going on,” said Neposchlan.

Neposchlan was named Employee of the Month for August 2011 in a room full of co-workers, family and friends. She started at UIS on June 19, 2006 and was promoted to the position she currently holds.

“Marsha has done an exemplary job for this department and has really bailed us out on any number of things. She has applied herself ever since coming here,” said Brian Patton, director of UIS Food Service.

She is known for being helpful and always having candy near her desk.

“I personally reply upon her, extremely heavily, for everything including where I left my keys,” said Patton.

Co-workers presented her with a corsage, flowers and a cake as part of the celebration.

“You guys went all out. Very good, thank you so much,” said Neposchlan.

As Employee of the Month, Neposchlan will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on her i-card.

Lindsey Feger is the July EOM

Like many other past Employee of the Month recipients, Lindsey Feger was conned into making an appearance at the PAC Restaurant for her own celebration.

Feger thought she was on her way to an important meeting at the Chancellor’s office, before she was pulled into a room full of applause. She was named July 2011 Employee of the Month.

Feger has been at UIS since March of 2000 and many people know her talents as a graphic designer. She has been an integral part of the Campus Services design team and has done great work on the alumni magazine, theatre posters, banners, brochures, and more. She has also played a major role in the re-branding effort at UIS.

“I love what I do. I love being an artist. I couldn't ask for anything more as far as my day-to-day doings and I love the people I work with," said Feger.

What people may not know about Lindsey is her accomplished and award winning dance skills, performing with Turnout Dance Company. She also teaches kickboxing in her spare time. Feger also gets a “kick” out of animals and has a new puppy named “Brinkley”.

As Employee of the Month, Feger will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on his i-card.

Brian Truter is the June EOM

Information Technology Services System Administrator Brian Truter may be the first Employee of the Month to walk into the room holding a laptop, but he is not the first to be fooled.

Truter thought he was on his way to help fix an email problem when his co-workers pulled him into the Public Affairs Center Restaurant. They surprised him with the news that he had been named Employee of the Month for June 2011.

“(I thought) I would never get caught by this trick,” said Truter. “I got totally busted.”

Truter has been employed at UIS since 2008, working his way up from fixing lesser servers to the critical ones he cares for today. He was instrumental in the recent campus upgrade to Exchange 2010 and is always willing to help solve problems.

“He’s very funny,” said Janis Santini, ITS networking analyst who presented the award. “He’s got a lot of good stories and a lot of good Marine stories, so he’s brought a lot of joy to us.”

Truter thanked everyone for coming, but decided to keep things short.

“Well everyone knows I hate meetings, so I’m going to make this very short and say thank you very much. I’m not saying anything else,” he said.

As Employee of the Month, Truter will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on his i-card.

James Burgdorf is May EOM

James Burgdorf entered the PAC Restaurant with a thud of the door, notebook in hand, most likely suspecting he was no longer headed to a meeting.

Inside the restaurant he was surprised by friends and family who informed him he was the May 2011 UIS Employee of the Month.

“What did I do?” he jokingly asked the crowd. He added, “All of you are off my Christmas list” after they effectively pulled off the surprise.

Burgdorf is an Assistant Director of Customer Service and Cashier Operations for University Student Financial Services and Cashier Operations (USFSCO). He has been a university employee for the past four years.

“You’ve exhibited exemplarily performance and courtesy,” said Debbie Rahn, U of I director of Cashiers and Customer Service. “You’re always polite to the customers, even when you can’t say yes.”

Burgdorf thanked the crowd and expressed his surprise that his fellow employees were able to keep his nomination a secret.

“It’s nice to see everybody here and I appreciate it,” said Burgdorf. “Glad to have everybody here, but you’re all in trouble with the Christmas cards.”

As Employee of the Month, Burgdorf will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on his i-card.

Raymond Barnett is April EOM

Raymond Barnett jokingly walked out of the room telling the crowd to “enjoy the snacks” after he was named the April 2011 Employee of the Month. He told them he had a meeting to attend, before returning to the room.

Barnett is the newly named Transfer Coordinator in the Office of Admissions, but got his start in July 2001 as an admissions counselor.

“I do appreciate this… and I know (my work) is noticed, it is recognized,” said Barnett. “In the end it isn’t about your happiness, your satisfaction, it’s about how the students have been served and the parents who come to me.”

For him, the real pay off is watching students graduate and seeing them close a chapter in their college career.

“That I helped and had any part in getting that started… that’s the pay off and this is just a little extra,” said Barnett.

As Employee of the Month, Barnett will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on his i-card.

Tyler Tanaka is March EOM

Tyler Tanaka thought he was on his way to another meeting when he was surprised with the news he was being named March 2011 Employee of the Month.

“I knew something was fishy,” said Tanaka after entering the PAC Restaurant, which was full of friends and co-workers. “I’m like what are all these people doing.”

Tanaka works as an online coordinator in the Teacher Education Program at UIS. He works to recruit and advise students who are interested in mathematics. He’s worked for the university for the past six years.

“I don’t have to tell you all of the good things that he does for the campus, for the college, for APAC, for all of us. He helps us is so many different ways,” said Larry Stonecipher, dean of the College of Education & Human Services.

Stonecipher joked staff members often turn to Tanaka for advise on a variety of subjects, including the best places to eat in Springfield.

“All of those things made us appreciate what Tyler does for us and we wanted to show him our appreciation,” said Stonecipher.

As Employee of the Month, Tanaka will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on his i-card.

Andrew Fitzpatrick is February EOM

Andrew Fitzpatrick thought he was on his way to a reception for his boss’s poetry contest when he walked into the PAC Restaurant and was named Employee of the Month for February 2011.

“They did a good job tricking me to come here and they got my wife to come and everything, which is good,” said Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick is a Systems Integrator for Information Technology Services. He has worked for UIS for the past two and a half years and is a graduate of the UIS Computer Science Department.

“He’s got a great attitude. It doesn’t matter what comes up, he’s always willing to jump in there and help get things fixed. It’s an honor to work with him and it’s also and honor to present him with this award,” said Tom Sidener, ITS assistant director of Software Applications and Database Support.

Fitzpatrick says the best part of working at UIS is the people, adding “they make it worth it to come here everyday.”

As Employee of the Month, Fitzpatrick will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on his i-card.

Kara McElwrath named Employee of the Year for 2010

Information Technology Services Training Specialist Kara McElwrath was named UIS Employee of the Year for 2010 during the 28th annual celebration in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby on January 24, 2011.

McElwrath is known for being reliable and committed to her job. She always takes the initiative to help others on a proactive basis. She even offers computer workshops outside of her normal work hours.

“I’m speechless and in my line of work that is very rare. This is an unbelievable honor and I am delighted to work here with all of you,” said McElwrath.

McElwrath was among 11 other individual Employees of the Month nominated for the award. Other candidates included Susy Woods, Natalie Taylor, Beth Hoag, Ron Turner, Amanda Bly, Pinky Wassenberg, Gale Kilbury, Lori Giordano, Kathy Henry and Greg Mayes.

“There just aren’t a lot of jobs where you can do the kind of work that I do with the wonderful people I get to work with. People invite me into their offices, their classrooms, and their computer labs… and invite me to help them do their work,” she said.

McElwrath’s nominator praised her for always maintaining open communication with her team members, which has helped in the growth of the team when it comes to support and future planning of services. Kara exemplifies customer service and addresses the needs of the customer. She started at the university in August of 2007.

The Employee of the Year gets a check for $500, plus a special parking spot for the entire year.

Greg Mayes is December EOM

Greg Mayes thought he was on his way to fix a broken i-card reader when his family and co-workers surprised him with the news he'd been named December 2010 Employee of the Month.

“I should have known better. PAC Restaurant is where they lure all of them,” said Mayes. “I always swore I’d be ready for this. You got me.”

Mayes is an ID Center Systems Support Specialist in the i-card center at UIS. He’s worked on campus for the past 3 years and previously held other positions in the University of Illinois system.

“He’s an amazing person. Always smiling, always helping everyone no matter what the situation is he’d tell you I can do it right now,” said Moneim Osman, i-card office manager.

As Employee of the Month, Mayes will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on his i-card.

Kathy Henry is November EOM

Food Service Worker Kathy Henry is known for always having a smile on her face. She lit up the entire room when she was named Employee of the Month during a surprise ceremony on November 23, 2010 in the PAC Restaurant.

“I don’t know what to say. Thank you guys,” said Henry.

Co-workers brought Henry into the room through the kitchen door, because they knew she’d suspect something was going on. It turns out she had no idea what was about to happen.

“I wondered where everyone was at,” she said.

Food Service Administrator Geoffrey Evans presented Henry with the award praising her dedication and work ethic.

“The department has a lot of hard working employees, but Kathy is among the greatest and the hardest working. You always have a smile on your face. You’re always working hard and this is our way of saying thank you,” he said.

As Employee of the Month, Henry was presented with a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on her i-card.

Lori Giordano is October EOM

Interim Director of Admissions Lori Giordano was completely caught off guard when her friends and co-workers surprised her with the news.

Giordano was recognized as October 2010 Employee of the Month during a ceremony on October 15, 2010 in University Hall.

“This is very much a surprise and of course I couldn’t do it without everyone here. They know I love them all,” said Giordano.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Tim Barnett praised Giordano on a job well done and presented her with the award.

“It’s long overdue. You’re highly respected and well regarded by staff and faculty around campus. You’ve really been the face of admissions for several years,” he said.

Giordano started working for UIS in February of 1998 as an Admissions Counselor. She worked her way up to Assistant Director, then Associate Director and now Interim Director.

Gale Kilbury is September EOM

Career Counselor Gale Kilbury thought she was on her way to a meeting when co-workers, friends and family ambushed her with the news she’d been named Employee of the Month for September 2010.

Kilbury had pen and paper in hand, ready for her meeting, when she walked into Conference Room G in the Public Affairs Center. A celebration was held in her honor featuring cake and other sweet treats.

“It’s a great job. I love it,” said Kilbury.

Kilbury started as an intern in the Career Development Center and worked her way up to a full-time employee.

“Working in the Career Development Center you get the opportunity to be there for all students and all alums. We’re not focused on any one group or any one person and I think that’s the beauty of what we do,” said Kilbury.

Tammy Craig, director of Career Services introduced Kilbury and presented her with the award.

“She has given to the university, she’s very student centered, everything is all about students,” said Craig.

As Employee of the Month, Kilbury was presented with a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on her i-card.

Dean Pinky Wassenberg is August EOM

Pinky Wassenberg, dean of the College of Public Affairs and Administration thought she was on her way to an important meeting. A fellow dean even created a fake proposal for her to review beforehand, but it was all a big trick.

“This has really led me to question my perceptive ability. I always thought I had a really good network and there wasn’t too much going on that I had no clue about. I’m just about as clueless today as I ever have been,” Wassenberg told the crowd.

Harry Berman, UIS provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs lead Wassenberg to the fake meeting in the PAC Restaurant where she was surprised by dozens of her friends and colleagues.

“Pinky is a model administrator and I think this has a lot to do with her being nominated for the position,” said Berman. “She runs her office competently developing creative and innovative approaches to standard administrative tasks.”

Wassenberg came to UIS in 1987 after teaching at Central Michigan University and while at UIS she was appointed to the Political Science Department and the Center for Legal Studies. In September 2005 she was appointed Interim Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Administration and became dean in April of 2006.

“Pinky is absolutely straight up. She tells you what she thinks and she doesn’t suffer fools readily,” said Berman.

Wassenberg thanked the crowd for their support and for the honor of being named Employee of the Month for August 2010.

“Thank you all. This is very kind,” she said.

Amanda Bly is July EOM

Admissions Counselor Amanda Bly thought she was on her way to a meeting, when co-workers led her into the PAC Restaurant. In fact, she was about to be named July 2010 Employee of the Month.

“You guys tricked me,” said Bly after the surprise was announced.

Family, friends and co-workers greeted her during the award celebration on July 20, 2010.

Bly has been a dedicated member of the UIS admissions staff since January of 2006. She travels around central Illinois visiting local high schools and answering questions from future UIS students.

“We wanted to say thank you for all of your hard work,” said Kathryn Kleeman, assistant director of admissions.

Bly thanked those who showed up to support her and talked about the teamwork she enjoys at UIS.

“I love you guys all so much. You make working at UIS so fun and even though sometimes we have hard, long days having you guys around to commiserate makes all the while,” said Bly.

Bly was presented with a special parking spot for the month and will get some extra spending cash placed on her i-card.